Ingredients

To create these incredibly creamy and flavorful ricotta meatballs, you’ll need a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and taste. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef: The heart of our meatballs. Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture. The fat content is essential for keeping the meatballs juicy and tender.
Ground Pork: Adding ground pork introduces another layer of richness and depth of flavor. It also contributes to a softer texture compared to using only beef.
Ricotta Cheese: The star ingredient! Full-fat ricotta cheese is key for achieving that signature creamy texture. It lightens the meatballs and makes them incredibly tender, preventing them from becoming dense or dry.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor that complements the ricotta and meat beautifully. It also helps bind the meatballs together.
Breadcrumbs: Italian breadcrumbs, either store-bought or homemade, are essential for absorbing moisture and creating a light and airy texture. They prevent the meatballs from becoming too dense.
Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, holding all the ingredients together and adding richness. They also contribute to the meatballs’ tender texture.
Garlic: Fresh garlic, minced or pressed, provides a pungent and aromatic base flavor that is fundamental to Italian cooking.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note and a touch of freshness that balances the richness of the meat and cheese.
Dried Oregano: Dried oregano brings a classic Italian herb flavor, adding warmth and depth to the meatball mixture.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors and bring the meatballs to life. Season generously to taste.
Olive Oil: Used for cooking the meatballs and creating the tomato sauce base. Olive oil adds a fruity and rich flavor that is characteristic of Italian cuisine.
Canned Crushed Tomatoes: The foundation of our flavorful tomato sauce. Use good quality crushed tomatoes for the best taste.
Tomato Paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and richness to the sauce, deepening its color and intensity.
Onion: Diced onion forms the aromatic base of the tomato sauce, adding sweetness and depth of flavor.
Sugar: A pinch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil, added at the end of cooking, provides a vibrant, sweet, and slightly peppery aroma that brightens the tomato sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a touch of heat, red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce, adding a subtle kick.

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Instructions

Creating these creamy ricotta meatballs is a rewarding process, and following these step-by-step instructions will ensure your success. Don’t be intimidated – it’s easier than you might think!

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Combine Meats and Cheese: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Mix Gently: Use your hands or a wooden spoon to gently mix all the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs. You want the mixture to be just moist enough to hold its shape.
Rest (Optional but Recommended): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the meatball mixture for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the mixture easier to handle.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Shape Meatballs: Using your hands or a cookie scoop (about 1.5-2 inches in diameter), roll the meatball mixture into even-sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each meatball.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and cooked through. Baking helps to set the meatballs and cook them evenly before they are simmered in the sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

Sauté Onion and Garlic: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tomato sauce. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Tomato Products and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well to combine. Add a pinch of sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer.
Simmer Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. Simmering allows the flavors to deepen and meld together.

Step 5: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce

Add Meatballs to Sauce: Once the meatballs are baked, gently transfer them to the simmering tomato sauce. Be careful not to break them as they are tender.
Simmer Together: Increase the heat slightly to bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and simmer for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the meatballs to fully cook in the sauce and absorb its flavors.
Finish with Fresh Basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil during the last few minutes of simmering.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve Hot: Serve the creamy ricotta meatballs and tomato sauce hot, over your favorite pasta, polenta, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Garnish (Optional): Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 450
Sodium: 700mg